Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is located mostly in Wyoming, but spreads into parts of Montana and Idaho as well. One of the more popular entrances is the South entrance in Wyoming, leading you right up through Grant Village and West Thumb. As the park is located on top of a volcanic hot spot, it provides entry to see some of the United States’ most beautiful and colorful hot springs. It’s also filled with hundreds of animal species including bears, wolves, bison, elk and antelope.

Typical Costs

Food: If you’re staying on a large campground inside the park, there will be a few general stores where you can buy snacks and some minimal groceries. I would recommend doing a big grocery shop at a supermarket before getting into the park and storing everything in a cooler. All of the campgrounds have strict food storage policies so having a cooler is essential. There are restaurant options on some of the campgrounds that are all average prices ranging from $10-$30 per person.

Accommodation: Yellowstone National Park is filled with campgrounds, all with the average price of $20/night for one site. There is also the option to do backcountry camping where you can pitch up a tent where you want to end your hike for the day.

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Where to Stay

Grant Village Campground:

• I stayed at this campground for four nights while visiting Yellowstone and was very happy with this choice. It’s Tent and RV Friendly, has hot showers, two general stores, and three restaurants. Not to be confused with glamping, but it did provide more options. You may want to bring some ear buds for during the night as you may hear packs of coyotes howling at certain times of the year!
• Price: $20/night plus tax – this included a space large enough for two tents, a picnic table, fire pit, parking spot, and was surrounded by trees and a short walk to the public bathrooms.

What to Do in Yellowstone National Park

Old Faithful:

• One of the most famous and active hot springs – known for being the most predictable and largest hot spring in Yellowstone Park. The hot spring sets off every 90 minutes. It may smell a bit funky due to the sulfur, but it’s definitely worth taking the time to sit, wait, and witness this natural event!

Yellowstone Canyon:

• This hike around the canyon is an absolute must. Artist Point, which is the most photographed part of Yellowstone, is a great starting point. You can park your car in the parking lot and begin from the trail there.
• Trails:
• Uncle Toms View – very strenuous. You walk down very steep stairs to get to the bottom waterfall. If you’re in good health, I highly recommend this. The view is incredible and your guaranteed to see a rainbow sprouting out from the waterfall.
• South Rim Trail and North Rim Trail – these are the two pathways that line both sides of the canyon. The South Rim trail starts at Artist Point so I would recommend that side if you only have time and energy for one part. These are both mild, mainly flat, paths.

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Geysers and Hot Springs:

• These are all at the same spot as Old Faithful, but can take a full day to explore! Rent a bicycle for a few hours to tour around the Geysers. You can get a bike for $12.50 for two hours. Prices go up from there.
• Top Choices to see: Morning Glory Pool, the exploding Giant Geyser, Prismatic Spring, and the Elexsiser Geyser.

Yellowstone Lake:

• Renting a boat and driving around Yellowstone Lake is another great option. If you’d like to go fishing for a few hours, or just go for a cruise and do more wildlife spotting, try this out! Fly fishing for trout is very popular in this area. You may get lucky and catch yourself some dinner!

Mammoth Hot Spring:

• Located in northern Yellowstone, this complex of hot springs are located on a hill side making it look like the side of the hill is melting. Very cool to see in person!

Grand Prismatic Spring:

• This spring is the largest hot spring in the United States, and the third largest hot spring in the world.